Okerlund began working for the WWF in 1984 and regularly interviewed some of the biggest stars in wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and many more. He left to work for the WCW from 1993-2001 before returning to the WWE, where he signed a lifetime contract and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1, 2006.

Anyone who grew up watching wrestling remembers some of Mean Gene’s interviews like they were yesterday. After learning of his passing, several members of the wrestling world paid tribute to Okerlund on social media.

A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/9ddj6372eE